Kannada Sangha (Singapore) achieved yet another milestone on Saturday, 10th January 2009 – by successfully hosting the first ever Yakshagana Gombeyata (Puppet Show) at DBS Auditorium, Singapore presented by members of "Sri Ganesha Yakshagana Mandali", Uppinakudru, Kundapura Taluk, Dakshina Kannada District. This troupe from Karnataka has performed on the international stage and through its relentless efforts has managed to keep alive, this ancient art form consisting of a combination of dance, song and dialogue and in fact the whole range of human emotions and passions. A traditional and colourful puppet show stage was built and lit-up in a very short time by the highly skilled troupe with the props they had transported all the way from India.
This programme was presented in Kannada and English, for the benefit of children as well as non-Kannadiga audience numbering around 200. It was ably hosted by Kumari Dhyuti Ramadas and Kumara Nishant Harimane. The colourful event started off with a melodious invocation by Kumari Sookthi and Kumari Nidhi Hegde. Sangha President Sri Ramadas welcomed the artists and the audience. Sri Prakash Hande gave a brief introduction to the art of Yakshagana and the visiting troupe. Programme Synopsis was distributed to enable the audience to understand and absorb better.
The much awaited puppet show "Choodamani or Lanka Dahana", based on the famous Indian Epic Ramayana started off with a prayer to Lord Ganapathi accompanied by traditional Yakshagana Orchestra (Himmela comprised of Bhagawatha (Singer or narrator), Percussions - called Chande and Maddale and Harmonium). Wooden Puppets about 18 inches tall, dressed to perfection in traditional Yakshagana costume in Badaguthittu Style came into action – keeping the children as well as adults spellbound and glued to their seats for next 1.5 hours. The overwhelmed audience applauded at the end of each scene, while eagerly waiting for what was in store in the next scene. The puppeteers behind the scene enacted various movements and emotions through these colorful puppets. Some of the scenes like Lord Ishwara emerging from Shivalinga and giving \\\'Darshan\\\', Hanuman leaping over the sea and marching of the army were breath-taking and uniquely creative. The climax of the programme was a live demonstration, wherein one could see how the puppeteer manipulates the puppets using strings which are generally not visible to the audience during the show. The demonstration, performed by Sri Bhaskar Kogga Kamath the Chief Puppeteer (known as the \\\'Suthradhara\\\' ) along with his troupe, included actions and explanation of the meaning behind various moves by the puppets, on how innovative ideas and techniques can bring to life an otherwise inert and lifeless wooden and cloth puppet. Troupe leader, Dr. Leela Upadhyaya, provided the narration in English. In all, about 50 puppets were used during this programme and demonstration - including the new age Spider puppet, Yoga puppet, Caterpillar puppet, Dhandiya puppet, just to name a few.
Sri Ramadas felicitated all the members of the troupe and the programme was concluded with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Archana Prakash. Singara Magazine was distributed to the members during this programme. Sangha also distributed Yellu, Bella – to mark the upcoming Makara Sankranti festival. The audience left the auditorium, with a hunger to see more such traditional performances like Gombeyata.
This successful programme was presented with the active support and sponsorship by Infosys Foundation. Kannada Sangha (Singapore) humbly acknowledges the whole hearted support extended by Mrs. Sudha Murty, Chairperson, Infosys Foundation. Sangha would also like to thank all the members of "Sri Ganesha Yakshagana Mandali", Uppinakudru, who presented such a wonderful programme, which will remain etched in our memory for a very long time.
The programme was co-sponsored by HDFC (Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd, Singapore), Kamat Restaurant Pte Ltd (Singapore) and the Divine Spark (Singapore). Kannada Sangha extends its heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors.
nimma
Kannada Sangha (Singapore)